Tennis prodigy on his way to train with top coaches

Alfredo Perez is one of the top ranked U.S. national tennis players in the 14 and under boys’ category.

Alfredo Perez, a Coral Gables resident, is one of the top ranked U.S. national tennis players in the 14 and under boys’ category.

Alfredo was one of five male players selected to participate in a national camp to be coached by Jose Higueras, USTA director of coaching and former personal coach for great tennis player Roger Federer, and USTA national coach Mike Sell.

Alfredo, 14, has quickly reached a level of athletic performance that is turning heads. Aside from achieving multiple victories over other top players in his category, he also overcame numerous personal challenges.

At age 9, Alfredo had just migrated to the U.S. from Cuba and quickly had to overcome and adapt to a new language and cultural differences. Struggling with social and nostalgic issues typical of a young immigrant, he didn’t waste any time to pursue his goals of tennis glory.

While practicing at the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center, Alfredo caught the keen eye of Coral Gables Professional Tennis Operations supervisor Robert Gomez, who immediately began coaching him. After four years of training under Gomez’s wing, Alfredo is a more polished tennis player who is ready to take on all challengers.

Gomez’s passion for the sport is a key element to his success in teaching it to younger generations.

“Seeing someone mature and make the most of their opportunities has a value that you can’t put a price tag on and it makes you feel real good inside,” Gomez said.

The Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department provides world-class professional tennis services and manages 26 public tennis courts. Its two key facilities are the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center, 1150 Anastasia Ave., and the Salvadore Park Tennis Center, 1120 Andalusia Ave. For more information, contact the Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.